Truth Magazine

Peter was a very impetuous young man, often acting first and thinking of the consequences later. In Luke 22, Jesus explained to Peter that his impetuous nature was about to get him into trouble. Satan had demanded permission to sift the disciples “as wheat” (v. 31). Despite Peter’s strong affirmation that he would be able to with- stand such an assault, Jesus noted that Peter would deny him three times that very evening. But, first he addressed the assault by Satan, and said, “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Jesus knew Peter was about to stumble, but still he said, “I have prayed for thee.” Why?

It Would Make a Difference

First of all, I would suggest Jesus prayed for Peter be- cause he knew it would make a difference (see Jas. 5:16). Some claim that all of our actions are “predestinated” by God, that we have no choice or individual response of our own. If so, why did Jesus bother to pray for Peter? If all Peter’s actions were predestinated, of what value was a prayer by Jesus for Peter? Jesus knew Peter was headed for trouble, but he prayed anyway, because he knew that prayer could help! He knew Peter had some hard choices ahead, but they were choices! Luke 7:30 and Matthew 23:37 remind us we can reject God’s purpose for us (2 Pet. 3:9). Jesus knew prayer worked. He had prayed, and God had answered his prayers on many occasions. Now he sought the throne of God in behalf of Peter. Sometimes that may be the only way we can help someone, but let us not underestimate the importance of this avenue of help. If Jesus knew prayer could help, shouldn’t we seek it more often as a way of helping others?

Because He Cared

Secondly, Jesus prayed for Peter because he cared! So often we tend to think of God as uncaring, waiting for us to make a mistake so he can “zap us into hell.” My friends, it “jest ain’t so!” God is not willing that any should perish (2 Pet. 3:9), but that all people be saved. Obviously, if we reject his will, we can — and will — be lost, but it will be in spite of and not because of God. The Bible gives us a picture of a God who does care: he sent his Son as proof of that love (John 3:16). The Bible tells us he had “compassion” (Matt. 9:36), and on one occasion that he “wept” (John 11:35). Peter had already made mistakes, and being impetuous, more lay ahead. He was about to deny Jesus on three distinct opportunities. Yet Jesus did not write him off or cast him away. He prayed for him because he loved him. He loves us as well, and is on our side, serving as our advocate (a lawyer called on to defend us — 1 John 2:1). Is it any wonder the writer of Hebrews says that we are to “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (4:15-16). We must never lose sight of the fact Jesus wants us to succeed and wants what is best for us. He prayed for the strength we could find in unity (John 17:20-21) knowing how vital that unity would be in the trying times of Christianity (as well as in reaching out to teach others). When we truly care, we will want to pray for others, knowing it is one way we can help them!

It Would Comfort Him

He also let Peter know that he was praying for him — it would be a source of comfort and strength later on. If you knew Jesus really cared that much, wouldn’t it help you in your time of grief and temptation? My friend, he does and he has let us know (cf. Luke 15:3-7, John 10:10-15). Jesus let Peter know so that later in his deep grief (Matt. 26:75), when he was telling himself how badly he had failed Jesus, and asking himself where he should go next, he would remember Jesus loved him still and had offered these words of comfort earlier. Peter could know Jesus still loved him, still cared, and still wanted him. Perhaps a small matter unless you were standing in Peter’s shoes at that point in time! When we let others know we care and are praying for them, it is comforting. Paul sought such prayers in 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2.

It Helped Challenge Peter

It also served as the challenge now set before Peter. “When thou turn again. . . .” Jesus had expressed confidence, and Peter could be reminded of that. He now had a sense of direction, a purpose: To make Jesus proud of him again! And his first task: Strengthen thy brethren! You’ve been there and back, now help them (cf. 2 Cor. 1:4) deal with the same problems you wrestled with.

From there we see Peter’s repentance and resolve grow, as he moves on to preach on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), stand up firmly for Jesus (Acts 4:19, 5:29), become a leader in the church (Gal. 2:9), and eventually serves as an elder (1 Pet. 5:1).

Obviously Peter had many of these characteristics already, which was one reason Jesus selected him as an apostle in the first place. Yet they needed to be harnessed and put to the proper use. But the trust, comfort, love, concern, and confidence expressed as Jesus told Peter he was praying for him must have also helped him rise to the challenge before him in the days that followed. Let us never underestimate the power of prayer, but use it more often as we strive to help one another. And from this example, may we always be reminded of how much our Lord does care what befalls us. 

Remember the story of Saul? He was the first king of Israel. He began very humbly, but in the end, his self- will, anger, and jealousy began to be displayed (1 Sam. 9-11).

In facing the Philistines, Saul was to wait for Samuel to come and sacrifice. Yet, as Samuel did not come immediately, Saul took it upon himself to offer the sacrifice even though it was not his place to do so. For this cause, God promised to remove the kingdom from him and to give it to a man after his own heart (1 Sam. 13:8-14). From this we see that Saul sought his own, rather than God’s, will.

As time passed, we again see Saul facing the Philistines. In this case, Israel stands intimidated and afraid of Goliath’s challenge to them to send out a champion. When the young man David came and slew Goliath, the Philistines fled before Israel. Then a song was sung, “Saul hath slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.” Saul was very wroth and displeased by this, and “eyed David from that day forward” (1 Sam. 17-18).

Rather than humbling himself and admitting his errors, Saul allowed jealousy and bitterness to remain in his heart. He came to the point where he was enraged against his own son, Jonathan, for being a friend to David (even though neither Jonathan nor David had done any wrong). Saul even threw a spear at Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20.

What does all of this illustrate? It shows how a self- involved person, one who trusts in self rather than God, can be defensive, mistreating, and persecuting even those who have done him no wrong. Saul’s guilt and defiled conscience simply waxed worse and worse, for he did not repent, confess, and forsake his sins as he should have. Instead, he became jealous and angry, and he sought to destroy those who (in his skewed view) challenged his will and desires.

Can such happen today? It certainly can, if we allow it (Jas. 3:13-18). Do we allow sin to remain in our lives? Do we truly repent, confess and forsake sin (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9)? Or do we harbor ill will and resentment because things have not gone our way?

Brethren, let us always behave like true followers of Christ. Beloved, let us always behave ourselves like brethren. And remember, this behavior begins in the heart (Prov. 23:7). 

The ability to communicate effectively is a mark of leadership. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Democrat, spoke meaningfully to the hearts of Americans in the depression years. His “fireside chats” carried live across the nation by radio struck responsive chords. My aged Grandmother Melton admired Roosevelt as a speaker. President Ronald Reagan, a Republican, gained the reputation of being the “great communicator.” He expressed himself with clarity and persuasion.

To communicate is to impart, transmit, or convey knowledge or information; to reveal or make known so that others will understand; to notify or apprise; to disseminate facts or ideas. We transmit and receive thousands of communications daily. These communications relate to many facets of life. Stop and think of the importance of communication.

1. Communication is essential to our having the proper relationship with God. We could not know what pleases God and what violates his will if there were no communication from him. He has “revealed” by the Spirit the things of God (1 Cor. 2:10-13). That which was a “mystery” (something hidden or concealed) was made known to the apostles and prophets by the Spirit (Eph. 3:1-5). By reading what inspired men wrote we gain understanding. God has not left us to guess what his will is, nor has he left us to direct our own footsteps (Jer. 10:23). Through the Scriptures the information we need to obey God is conveyed.

2. Communication is critical in marriage. Some husbands and wives are so busy pursuing their individual careers that they are seldom together. Instead of developing understanding, they grow apart. Or, a husband and wife may get angry or become peeved over something. They do not talk freely. Instead of communicating with each other about their finances, likes and dislikes, in-laws, sex, work situation, or whatever problems they have, they refuse to talk. When communication breaks down, real trouble is on the way.

3. Communication is crucial in the parent-child relationship. An exasperated mother wrings her hands and exclaims, “I just can’t talk to Mary these days.” Previously Mary had shouted to her mother, “Don’t preach to me; just take me to the mall.” A barrier has come between mother and daughter. Words and acts which convey understanding are blocked. Until communication is restored there will be a strained and unpleasant relationship. Teenagers often speak a language of their own. Parents may have difficulty in understanding the emotions of their youngsters. Older people can lose touch easily with the younger generation. Good parents look for ways to communicate with their offspring. Father and mother must be willing to listen. Above all, parents must communicate to their children by example and word so as to train them in the admonition or instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:1-4). Godly parents are never too busy to discuss with their children whatever problems they have.

4. Communication is necessary in converting the lost. Despite the strained relation between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus engaged the Samaritan woman at the well in conversation. He talked to her about the water of life, worship, and his being the Messiah (John 4). Philip arrested the attention of the Ethiopian by asking, “ Understandest thou what thou readest? ” This question led to the opportunity of opening his mouth and preaching to the Ethiopian about Jesus. And that led to the Ethiopian’s confessing Christ and being baptized (Acts 8:30-39). There are numerous ways of communicating gospel truth to the lost. Some can talk on a one-to-one basis who could never preach a public sermon. The essential thing is to find a way of arousing interest and imparting knowledge of the word of God.

5. Communication is vital when saints assemble to worship. A brother who is asked to lead prayer should speak slowly, distinctly, and with adequate volume. Others cannot say “Amen” unless the leader communicates his thoughts. One who talks so low that he cannot be heard is not “leading” prayer. He is merely praying privately while others are straining to hear. One who stands up to make announcements must be able to communicate. Some mumble and stumble, fail to check their information beforehand, and do not express themselves clearly. Misunderstandings result.

6. Communication is highly important in public preaching. The task of every preacher is to preach the gospel. He must present the message in language which his hearers can grasp. It is very easy for one who is thoroughly familiar with the Bible to shoot over the heads of people who have never studied God’s book. In his choice of words and illustrations, the preacher should strive for simplicity and understand ability. He must remember that his aim is to impart information concerning the word of God, to stimulate interest in righteousness, to challenge to nobler living, and to lead people through sound teaching. He must, “Preach the word . . . reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2). Some preachers are more effective in communicating to some audiences than to other audiences. There are preachers who are better at exhorting and motivating than impart- ing knowledge. The personality of the preacher, his style of presentation, his speaking ability, and other factors influence his power as a communicator.

7. Communication is indispensable in reconciling and restoring. “Moreover if thy brother trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault . . .” (Matt. 18:15-17). That directive cannot be carried out without communication. “But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. “That calls for more communication. “And if he neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church . . .” That necessitates communication to the church. “But if he neglect to hear the church . . .” That implies communication by the church to the offender. “Let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” The instructions in Galatians 6:1 to restore one overtaken in a fault demand communication between the spiritual and the one who has stumbled.

8. Communication is compelling for elders as overseers of the church. Problems arise when elders fail to keep the church informed. What information do elders need to communicate to the flock? Why do elders neglect to communicate as they should? How may the overseers best communicate with the church? These matters will be explored in an article to follow.

Remember that communication is vital. Even in ordinary conversations we sometimes fail to speak and listen carefully. All of us occupy roles that necessitate clear expression and transmission of thought. Poor communication can bring painful consequences.

By Matthew Allen 

As Paul taught the Christians of the first century, he was revealing the law of Christ as expressed by the Holy Spirit. It simply was not “just his opinion.” The law of Christ is applicable to all generations — including those living in 1999!

The number of people wishing to conduct themselves in or applaud deviant sexual behavior or other immoral activities seems to be growing at an alarming rate. We are in the midst of a society that glorifies ungodly behavior as being freedom of expression while at the same time it viciously attacks morally minded people as being right wing extremists. That the assault by the mainstream media on biblical values continues is very evident and often goes unchecked by the majority of complacent, self-satisfied Americans. It is enough to depress even the most optimistic of persons.

Recently, I was given an article en- titled “Reassessing the Apostle Paul” which appeared in the April 5, 1999 edition of U.S. News & World Reports. The ar ticle, written by Jeffer y L. Sheler, describes Paul as “a tireless missionary and prolific theologian, . . . more instrumental in the founding of Christianity than anyone else — even Jesus Himself ” (52). While the article endeavors to describe many of his life events (conversion, the thorn in the flesh, and his persecution of Christians before coming to Christ) it summarizes several new theories being supported by “prominent theologians.”

One theory as explained in the article reads, “Paul was intensely apocalyptic and believed that Christ ’s second coming was imminent. Consequently, he did not intend his sometimes stern judgments on doctrinal matters and on issues of gender and sexuality to become church dogma applied, as it has been, for nearly 2000 years” (52). While it was a common belief among first century Christians that the return of Christ was imminent (as expressed in 1 Thess. 4:13-5:11), who is to say that Paul meant that the things he taught only to be applied to them of that generation?

Who is to say that the doctrinal matter established by Paul was merely his opinion? One must remember that the New Testament is not a collection of the personal beliefs of several men, but rather the inspired Word of God! Peter says knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation (origin) for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1:20-21). Not only did the personal judgment of Paul condemn homosexuality and state the proper role of women — it was and is the law of God expressed by the Holy Spirit!

Peter defended the writing of Paul as being the wisdom given to him in 2 Peter 3:15. Paul reminded his readers in several instances that his words were not his own. Observe:

These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches . . . (2 Cor. 2:13).

The commands were not solely from Paul, but the Lord   (1 Cor. 7:10).

The things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord (1 Cor. 14:37).

The Thessalonians welcomed the teachings of Paul and the apostles not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God (1 Thess. 2:13).

In 1 Corinthians 14:37 Paul stated the things he wrote were the commandments of the Lord.

In 1 Timothy 6:3-5 Paul taught that if one did not consent to “the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing . . . (and) from such withdraw yourself.

As Paul taught the Christians of the first century, he was revealing the law of Christ as expressed by the Holy Spirit. It simply was not “just his opinion.” The law of Christ is applicable to all generations — including those living in 1999 (Heb. 13:8)! Homosexuality and feminism are just as wrong today as they were 2000 years ago!

The above reasoning is nothing more than a careful disguise of the belief that certain biblical principles are not relevant to people today. Most of the biblical principles some claim not to be relevant are those that go against politically correct and deviant lifestyles. However, principles concerning love, and especially forgiveness (which many confuse with tolerance) are championed by liberal theologians. But what does the standard say?

The New Testament teaches the Christian not to turn away from the pat- tern established by the Apostles. Please note 2 Thessalonians 3:14 and Galatians 1:7-9. In 2 Timothy 4:2-4 Paul charged Timothy to “preach the Word! . . . for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth.” The book of 2 Timothy was written just before the death of Paul (see 4:6-8). He knew following his death (through inspiration of the Spirit) that believers would depart from the truth. These words were meant to be applicable for all generations — up to the return of Christ! Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Matt. 24:35). Indeed there are many who cannot endure sound doctrine! The idea that certain teachings of Scripture are not relevant today is simply an open rebellion against the authority of Almighty God!

Some liberal theologians now assert that Paul’s writings have been adjusted by “church leaders” to con- form his writings to their particular opinion. Sheler writes, for all of his energy and influence, Paul wrote only a fraction of the New Testament letters that tradition ascribes to him, and even some of those were subsequently altered by others to reflect later developments in church theology (52). Sheler goes on to write, “. . . the most flagrant ‘anti-women’ statements may have been added to the text by later church scribes . . . and . . . Paul’s views on homosexuality may have been misconstrued” (55). While there may have been a mistranslation here and there one may know with confidence that the Bible as we have it today is indeed the inspired word of God. How?

Beginning at the end of the first century, Christians began to write down copies of the exhortations of the apostles. Most of the New Testament could be reproduced from the second century writers Origen, Clement of Alexandria, and Tertullian. Also, during the second century, the text was translated into the common languages of the people where it went. There are over 9,000 manuscripts of the New Testament printed in language other than Greek — all dating from the second century. Most of the manuscripts were found all over the known world and have given scholars a good chance to verify later Greek manuscripts. The texts we have today match the texts from the second century.

When people refuse to conform their lives with the truth of the Scriptures, they must resort to the tactics of assuming the motives of the Apostles and inspired men. As noted above, some even have to go to the extreme of claiming that uninspired men have tainted the text with their biased opinions/ judgments. These assertions should be proof positive that the practices and attitudes they attempt to bring into “religion” are contrary to the clear teaching of God’s word. Jesus said, “This is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John. 3:19).

Let us conform our lives to the Word of God which is found within the pages of the New Testament! Jesus said that the “Word will judge us on the last day: He who rejects